Middlebury, Dec - 9 1811-

My Dr.sir. [sic] I recd. [sic] yours some time since by Thos. Robinson Esqr. [sic] - I meant sooner to have answered it, but my time has been un usually occupied for several weeks past, + that in some measure on new objects, for must know | if you dont [sic] already | that we have a little son in our family, that we call ours, about 4 weeks old, and a fine little fellow he is, one of the [loveliest?] boys in the world especially in is parents'opinion - he was born on the 13th of Nov.  Mrs D. is + has been remarkably well, and her health is apparently nearly reestablished. The child has not been so well as we could wish. and has exhibited some unfavorable symptoms, of which to the Doctor spoke dis- couraging - but for the last 3 days he has ap- peard to be better, nor have we at any time despaired of raising him, to be sure parental fondness would be likely to magnify + cling to every favorable circumstance Decr. [sic] 11th. Mrs D. continues well, + the little appears to be gaining. + seems to give better evidence of health + growth.- In yours above alluded to you refer me to Mr. R. as to your business - I did not learn much from him relative to that subject. but the

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result of all the information I can get on the subject is that you are not doing as well as you ought, or in other words - that the sphere in which you move + act is too limited for your capacities - and I believe you to be possessed of resources which well qualify you to act in a more extensive + important sphere - you however may Judge [of the?] case + of my opinions as as you please, for you know I have never had, or at least expressd [sic] to you, but one opinion on this subject, - you will have the goodness to excuse me for introducing this subject again but if your determination is fixed + the resolu tion already passd, [sic] to remain where you are + take fortune for better or worse, I will no further intrude by again introducing the subject, you will, I presume, do me the Justice to be- lieve that in all I have said, your interest only has been considered- Four lawyers have been settled in Midy [sic] since you left, viz. Turner + Childs, partners, who occupy the office in the brick building, which I formerly occupied - B. Parks who read with Chipman - + U.H. Averest who also read with C. it is said however that Childs has determined to return to Franklin C[underline]o[/underline] - Parks + Averest are dashing away [—-tly] - they were both admitted at the last Term of our C. Ct. [sic] - but these things have no interest with you if you have made up your mind to stay in Chester - I cannot but think you would have done well here, Slade is doing consider able business - + will undoubtedly get a living.

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When do you calculate to visit Midy. [sic] again.
we shall be glad to see you. [—g] [—-] as to many things - and I will here ask whether the Judge has signed a note as was contemplated, [–] There has lately been established in this Town a Washingtonian society, so calld. [sic], as to its particular constitution + character I have not yet learnd [sic] much is said of its benevolent objects. it may be so, + it may have political objects in view - none I am told, are admitted except those who are arrayed in hostility to the general + state govrmt. [sic] It may be that its objects are really good. but as was said of the Grecian horse, [underline] instar montis [/underline] which they pretended was a offering to their gods, as Laocoon said in that case, I fear some mis -chivous design lurks within it - I think of no domestic occurrences which can be interesting to you, you will have the goodness to write to us frequently. + come + see us as often as possible - Remr. [sic] me to the Judge [–] - Mrs D. writes with me in respectfull [sic] remr. [sic] to you - J. Doolittle

C.L. Rockwood Esqr. [sic]

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Joel Doolittle Esqr 1811

Cephas L. Rockwood Esqr Atty at Law Chester Vt